Every day people gather ahead of the morning rush for an hour’s meditation, there are teachings from visiting monks and nuns from all over the world and there are regular multi-faith events for all the community to join in.

Charity founder and Buddhist David Benjamin, aged 64, lives at the centre with his wife Paulette and said they get visitors from all walks of life.

Visitors are also welcome to stay as there are 12 sleeping rooms and other accommodation areas for up to 60 people.

Said David: “We have people staying for one night, a full week or even longer.

“Anyone with an interest in finding out more about Buddhism is welcome.

“There are core teachings of Buddha which are essentially to not harm others, to help others and to tame your mind - this is to do with taming negative thoughts.

“So for example if you hold onto hate for another you are not harming them, just yourself.

“It all basically boils down to just being nice to others.”

David’s own path to spiritual awakening took a few unusual twist and turns.

He said: “I was on holiday in Kathmandu, Nepal, about 20 years ago and I became interested in Buddhism.

“It just made a lot of sense to me.”

His spiritual journey took him away from his life as a housing developer in Colorado, America, and he stayed for a while at a Buddhist centre in Denmark.

It was there that he and two other founders, David’s wife Paulette and a friend called Marysia Zielke, along with spiritualist director Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, came up with the idea for a UK centre.

He said: “The Doncaster site was chosen because it is central and also the beautiful surroundings help to put you in the right frame of mind.”

After several years, the popularity of the centre is undoubtedly growing.

In July the charity gained planning permission for an extension, including 36 sleeping rooms and an information centre.

They also have outline permission to build a temple for up to 250 people and will be submitting more detailed plans to the council later this year.

David told the planning committee recently: “It will be good for everyone. Talking broadly, it’s good for world peace.

“Whoever comes to learn Buddhist philosophy and meditation will get calmness and kindness, which will be helpful for themselves and society.

“It is the perfect place; it is very open, very remote.”

The centre is also keen to invite people in from the wider community and a recent village fete - complete with vintage tractors and a tug-of-war - attracted 400 visitors.

People from all different faiths including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sikh also took part in a 24-hour relay sponsored walk around the estate for charity on August 27 and 28.

David said the centre is open for anyone and everyone, adding: “I think with how fast-paced life is people see Buddhism as a place where they can slow down and take a breath. That is what our retreat offers.”